Kuki-Zo Leaders Signal Openness to Joining Popular Government Before February 2026
In a major political development, the 10 incumbent Kuki-Zo MLAs have expressed readiness to join the formation of a popular government in Manipur if President’s Rule is lifted before February 13, 2026. The decision emerged from a general conference of the Kuki Zo Council (KZC) held on November 15 at Rohika Hotel, Khanapara, Guwahati.
The conference saw participation from a wide spectrum of Kuki-Zo stakeholders, including Kuki Inpi Manipur, Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), women’s organisations, volunteers, and representatives of Kuki-Zo armed groups both under and outside the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement. Seven out of the ten MLAs attended the crucial meeting.
According to one of the MLAs who briefed the media, the conference began with extensive deliberations on the community’s long-standing demand for a Separate Administration. As discussions progressed, a pivotal question arose:
Should the Kuki-Zo MLAs join a new State Ministry if democratic governance is reinstated?
Opinions were sharply divided.
A section of leaders argued that the MLAs must not join any government until the Government of India issues a clear and definitive statement on the Separate Administration demand, warning that premature participation could dilute the political struggle.
Others countered that joining a new Ministry could provide the community with greater influence over political developments, especially given the current sensitive situation in Manipur. They argued that being part of the government could strengthen the community’s position rather than weaken it.
After prolonged and detailed discussions that continued late into the evening, the conference arrived at a consensus decision:
The Kuki-Zo MLAs will join any popular Ministry formed after the end of President’s Rule, given the present circumstances.
This move is expected to have a significant impact on Manipur’s evolving political landscape as the State edges closer to a possible return to normal democratic governance in the coming months.
